Emergency Response: What To Do During A Flood

Name: Exit Mold
Address: 10 Brower Ave, Woodmere, New York, 11598, United States
Telephone: (516) 512-7877

While we at Exit Mold, a New York home restoration firm serving NYC and the five boroughs for
25-plus years, won’t guarantee our blog on the types and causes of floods will make you a ‘Noah’
all; Exit Mold professionals, as Noah, do believe knowledge is of greater power in the mitigation, remediation, and restoration of a home or business from nature’s rains or plumbing pains!

Common Sense Actions During A Flood Emergency

Listen to the local weather forecasts and announcements regarding flood emergency services.
Follow official evacuation procedures as per local authority. Follow only designated evacuation routes and expect heavy traffic.
If able to do so safely, turn off the gas, electricity, and water.
Get yourself and your family to safe, higher ground when told to evacuate, and take only essential possessions.
The most essential possessions to take during evacuation should be insurance cards, ID cards, and essential medical records, all of which should be in a waterproof container that is easy to carry. Have store-bought water bottles in the car for drinking.
If unable to leave home during a flood emergency, move to the highest floor of the home as is possible. Take along a portable, battery-operated, radio and a flashlight. Wait for help to arrive; NEVER try to walk or swim to safety!
During a storm, lightning can travel through electrical wires or plumbing pipes. A fatal shock could happen if the telephone, electrical appliances, or any object connected to the home plumbing system were touched.
Do not attempt to drive a car or van on a water-covered roadway. The ‘rule of thumb’ is ‘turn
around — don’t drown.’ Do not walk in water that is above the ankles. Any flowing water has a current strong enough to knock one off the feet. Flood waters can contain contaminated sewage, as well as snakes or other ‘creatures.’

Keeping Needed Flood Supplies On Hand

With the understanding that flood emergencies mean not using gas stoves or electric appliances nor running any water, the CDC (Center For Disease Control and Prevention) recommends storing a flood emergency 3-day food supply and 3-day water supply. There should be one gallon of water per day for each person and pet in the household. The CDC website, Food and Water Needs: Preparing for a Disaster or Emergency, provides details regarding the storage of food and water.

Have an emergency flood supply kit that includes rubber boots, non-slip shoes, and waterproof gloves for each family member.

Keep a supply of insect repellent containing DEET or Picaridin and long-sleeved and long-leg clothing for protection against mosquitoes that breed in the water.